Phil Morgan pockets £500 after “biggest buzz of my snooker life”.

A SALISBURY cueman has pocketed £500 prize money for winning a six-month competition.

Phil Morgan topped the Open Series rankings at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club.

The 57-year-old described securing his first title by winning back-to-back finals in weeks 24 and 25 as “the biggest buzz of my snooker life”.

Up to then, it had been nip-and-tuck with former champion David Stewart.

Morgan, the first player over the age of 18 to win a series since Stewart in 2015, has reduced his handicap by a staggering 20 points over the six months.

But he said: “A -26 handicap is unbelievable but, for some reason, not as scary as I thought it would be.

“I’m still keen to improve so, as far as I’m concerned, bring it on.”

The former Cuestars Masters (55+) champion reckons tackling more challenging practice routines has been the key to his success.

Stewart was runner-up. Ten-year-old Harry Wyatt wins £340 for finishing third.

There were no major changes in the rankings on the final afternoon. The top five stayed the same. Riley Ellis joined Chris Wyatt in sixth place. Neil Carroll drew level with Martin Read by beating him in the final and they both moved up to joint eighth. Ryan and Grahame Hughes slipped back. And Dave Nunn nicked 12th place from Dan Hammond.

The presentation will take place at 1pm tomorrow (Saturday), immediately before the 26-week Series 28 kicks off. Everything stays the same. Entry fee for club members is £10, £13 for non-members. Prize money remains at £2,235.

TOP 12 AND PRIZE MONEY

£500 Phil Morgan, £430 David Stewart, £340 Harry Wyatt, £240 Will Forster, £165 O’Shay Scott, £120 Chris Wyatt, £120 Riley Ellis, £77.50 Martin Read, £77.50 Neil Carroll, £60 Ryan Hughes, £55 Grahame Hughes, £50 Dave Nunn.

Picture by Tim Dunkley

Tim Dunkley (World Snooker coach)